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Get High At Kansas State Capitol On A Tour Of Its Dome!

Out of all the state capitol buildings in America, the Kansas State Capitol is the only one where visitors are permitted to climb to the top of its dome!

That’s not the only special thing about this statehouse. There are several remarkable facts about Kansas State Capitol, but one of the most noteworthy is that it is the tallest capitol building in the United States !

The Kansas Statehouse is actually 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. So not only is this the tallest capitol building in the United States, but also the only one where visitors are permitted to climb to the top of.

Is that USA bucket list worthy or what?!

You can visit this bucket list destination in downtown Topeka.

Topeka has served as the capital city of Kansas since the territory became a state in 1889. This historic city in northeast Kansas has several fascinating places to visit but none of them are as impressive as the Kansas State Capitol!

It is constructed entirely of limestone and topped by a copper dome. Standing on top of the dome is a Kaw statue named Ad Astra, and on the Dome Tour you can stand directly beneath this iconic statue!

What to expect on a Kansas State Capitol Dome Tour

A tour of Kansas State Capitol’s dome is undoubtedly one of the most unique tours you will ever take! To be honest, I did not know you could tour the building’s dome until I arrived at the capitol for a pre-booked group tour of the building’s lower five floors.

When our tour guide mentioned that the Dome Tour was about to begin and it was our last chance to switch to that excursion I jumped at the opportunity.

The dome tour begins on the fifth floor. A tour guide will give you a quick brief on safety before leading you through a locked door.

This is when you’ll start the ascent. You’ll climb a total of 296 stairs . It’s the equivalent of climbing a ten-story building!

A curved staircase spirals upwards leading visitors to a space between the inner and outer dome. That’s right, there are actually two domes!

The glass dome that is visible inside above the rotunda is in fact an inner dome, not the dome that can be seen from outside.

Standing in this space is really cool. There is a certain beauty in the symmetry of the construction.

In this space between the inner and outer domes you will see grafitti on the walls. The grafitti dates back to over 50 years ago when the public were once allowed to tour the dome unsupervised.

Rather than getting rid of the grafitti, our tour guide informed us that the grafitti was not cleaned up so as to serve as a reminder of why the dome is accessible by guided tour only.

The staircase keeps going up, hugging the perimeter of the wall until you are high above the giant glass inner dome.

At each level you’ll get a chance to have a break and absorb the fascinating construction. Take the time to walk around the circular platform to peer out of the windows to see views of the city in all directions.

Eventually your eyes will set upon the last stretch of stairs and where they will be leading you.

The stairs move away from the wall and hang in mid-air. And if that section wasn’t terrifying enough, a narrow spiral staircase dangles under the highest point of the domed ceiling.

It is upon seeing this narrow catwalk that most visitors become strick with terror. I know that I did. To be perfectly honest, this is where I completely chickened out. But in my defense, I was not the only one!

I decided to stay put here and watch the other visitors ascend the last 50 or so steps. Just watching them was nerve-wracking enough for me.

I looked on as the bravest in my group climbed through the roof of the cupola and onto the outside balcony.

Once you are standing on the outside balcony, you will officially be standing at the highest point in Topeka.

I was told the circular walkway outside offers panoramic views of the city, as well as a close up look at the bronze Kaw statue.

Of course, once you are done taking in the views you will have to come back down the same terrifying way you went up.

It was amusing for me to see the fear on the faces of others as I watched them descend the spiral staircase. This was confirmation enough for me to know there was no way I could have handled the dizzying heights.

Some of the visitors said to me it was even scarier coming back down.

Did I regret not making it all the way to the top? No, not really. I wasn’t in the mood for an anxiety attack that day. But I am glad that I went up as far as I did because I was most interested in seeing the inner architecture of the dome.

It was truly fascinating to see, and I would certainly do this tour again!

If you are afraid of heights like I am, but have a curious personality (like I do), I highly recommend taking the dome tour and going up as high as you feel comfortable.

The tour is not rushed at all. You can take your time on the way up whether it’s to take pictures or calm your nerves. If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, you can stop and turn back. You will defintely still have a sense of accomplishment even if you just make it to the inner dome.

Dome Tours last approximately 40 minutes. Reservations are not required unless there is more than 30 people in your group.

Be sure to leave enough time to explore the lower five floors of the Kansas State Capitol building. Every floor is stunning and holds history and artwork that will give you a glimpse of past and present Kansas.

Tour Details: Tours are run by Kansas Historical Society. They are conducted from Monday through Friday every hour. Here is the schedule: 9:15, 10:15, 11:15 a.m., 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 p.m. Tours are free!

Where:  300 SW 10th St, Topeka, KS 66612. The entrance is on the ground level, North Wing, on 8th Avenue. Parking information  here .

Where To Stay In Topeka

The top-rated hotel in Topeka is Cyrus Hotel . It is situated in downtown just two blocks from the Kansas State Capitol. This newly renovated boutique property is stylish and features a 24-hour fitness center, restaurant, and bar.

If you prefer to stay closer to Interstate-70 there are several chain hotels to choose from like Hampton Inn , Country Inn , and Hilton Garden Inn . See all hotels in Topeka here .

Where Is Kansas State Capitol?

Kansas State Capitol is situated in downtown Topeka. Topeka is about 60 miles from Kansas City which is approximately a one hour drive. You can easily visit Topeka on a day trip from Kansas City.

If you are visiting Kansas from out of state, you can visit Topeka and the Kansas State Capitol on this northeast Kansas road trip .

• Need to rent a car for your trip? Use rentalcars.com to compare rental prices between car companies.
• Prefer RV or campervan travel? Search Outdoorsy for RV and campervan rentals for your next road trip adventure!

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Travel Guide

Tour the Kansas State Capitol

Jan 19, 2020 | Blog , Midwest , Tours & Experiences

The Kansas State Capitol building is the only US Capitol where the visitors can go to the top of the dome and walk along the outside for amazing views of Topeka. Standing at 304 feet tall, it is taller than the United States Capitol dome by 16 feet. The building was completed in 1903 after 37 years of construction. The bronze statue of the Kansa warrior, Ad Astra, was placed on the top of the dome in 2002.

The unforgettable dome tour , given by the Kansas State Historical Society , is not for the faint of heart. Climb the 296 steps to the top over a series of narrow, spiral, and irregularly spaced stairs and landings. Get close up views of the interior and exterior domes. You definitely earn bragging rights by reaching the cupola!

Know before you go:

• Reservations are not required for groups of 10 or fewer.
• Cost is free during scheduled times.
• Tours last approximately 40 minutes.
• Anyone with heart, back, or knee issues or with fear of heights should not participate in the tour.
• Tours are scheduled hourly from 9:15 to 3:15, Monday through Friday, and 10:15 to 3:15 on Saturdays.

Historic Tours

There are also Historic Tours given of the rest of the building— a great way to get some Kansas history as well as stay a little closer to the ground. You’ll see the murals on the first and second floor and view the dome murals from the fifth floor. The spectacular Senate Chamber in the east wing and Representative Hall in the west wing are important tour stops. The ornate Old Kansas Supreme Court in the south wing and State Library of Kansas in the north wing are equally impressive.

• Tours are given hourly, Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 3:00.
• The tour is free, but reservations are recommended, especially in the summer.

Kansas State Capitol 8th Avenue Between Harrison / Van Buren Topeka, KS 66612

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Topeka Capitol Tours

The Kansas State Capitol has been through twelve years of restoration--with the work completed and the Capitol officially dedicated in a ceremony on Kansas Day, January 29, 2014. The building has been reopened to tours:

Building hours:

-- 8 AM to 5 PM, Mon.-Fri.; 8 AM to 1 PM Sat.; closed Sundays and state holidays.

Historic Tours:

-- Jan.- May: 9/10/11 AM, 1/2/3 PM, Mon.-Fri.

-- Jun.- Dec.: 9/11 AM, 1/3 PM, Mon.-Fri.

Over 50 thousand people have taken a dome tour at the Kansas State Capitol since dome tours were reintroduced in January 2006. The 296 steps of this spectacular tour literally takes the breath away.

Dome Tours:

 Jan.-Dec.: 9:30/10:15/11:15 AM, 12:15/1:15/2:15/3:15 PM, Mon.-Fri.

The Kansas Capitol has limited underground parking for visitors. There is no fee to enter the Capitol during business hours. Tours are provided by the Kansas Historical Society.

• Kansas Statehouse

The moment you realize the view is worth the 296 steps.

In the late 1800s, more than one million people streamed into Kansas seeking a new life on the frontier. As they arrived, what they saw was amazing. Rising from the Kansas prairie, a grand building loomed over the growing city and welcomed settlers. Along Topeka's dirt streets, the sound of chipping stone was a constant rhythm as construction on the Kansas Statehouse continued for 37 years. The building cost $3.2 million to build and included architectural elements of gleaming copper and 17 types of marble, crystal, granite and gold leaf paint. The Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

A tour of the Statehouse is a journey into Kansas' past, brought to life through important artifacts, beautiful murals, sculptures and historic photographs. Even the limestone and marble tell a story of Kansas resources and ambitions. Get a glimpse of spectacular spaces including Representative Hall, the Senate Chamber, the State Library and the Old Supreme Court. Free historic guided tours are offered Monday through Friday, or visitors can explore the building with a self-guided tour brochure.

The Dome Tour is breathtaking - literally - with 296 steps and no elevator, but it's worth the effort. The Kansas Statehouse is the only U.S. capitol building where the public can go to the top of the dome and walk along the outside balcony for a birds-eye-view of the city. Beginning on the fifth floor, the tour explores the area between the inner and outer domes - what is visible both inside and outside. Connecting the two domes are a series of stairs and landings that offer an unparalleled look at the elaborate architecture.

After 13 years and a $332 million renovation, the Kansas State Capitol Building is complete and gleaming like the day it was built. Touching every part of the Capitol, from two stories below the underground cornerstones to the top of the 306-foot dome, the renovation restored the original architect's vision while increasing accessibility and safety for years to come. 

Things to Do

• Evel Knievel Museum
• NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
• Downtown Topeka
• Equality House
• Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade
• Historic Harley Davidson
• Combat Air Museum
• Regional Attractions
• Performing Arts Centers
• Outdoor Art
• Museums & Galleries
• Kansas Children's Discovery Center
• Evel Knievel
• Trails & Green Spaces
• Outdoor Escapes
• Holiday Shopping
• Topeka Flag Merchandise
• Casinos & Gaming
• Free Admission
• Separate is not Equal: A fight for Desegregation
• Fighting for Voting Rights: A Women's Suffrage Movement
• A Tragic Prelude: A Fight for a Free State
• At the Crossroads: A Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights
• St. Mark's AME
• Old Federal Courthouse & U.S. Post Office
• Mamie Williams House
• Buchanan School
• African-American Murals
• The Ritchie House
• Sumner Elementary School
• Brown v Board of Education 70th Anniversary
• 190th Air Refueling Wing
• All Veterans Memorial
• Topeka Cemetery
• Bleeding Kansas
• Cyrus K. Holliday
• Carrie Nation
• Washburn University
• History & Heritage
• Topeka PRIDE
• Golf & Disc Golf

AD ASTRA EXPLORER

• Andrea LaRayne Etzel
• Jan 17, 2022

KANSAS CAPITOL: Ultimate Guide to the Statehouse of the Sunflower State

Updated: Jan 28, 2022

An iconic piece of architecture, the Kansas Capitol is a building built in the reflection of the pioneer spirit of our state.

A Brief History

Touring the Kansas Capitol

What to Look for on each Floor

Take a Walk Around the Grounds

What's on Top of the Kansas Capitol?

Frequently Asked Questions

Having lived in Topeka, the Capital city of Kansas, I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve visited the Capitol. Even now I’m at the Statehouse multiple times of the year for events. And still, I’m continually noticing - new to me - details. The feeling of “awe” peering up at the inner dome inspires never gets old.

Rich with history and art, the Kansas Capitol is also the home to the state’s legislative body. Kansas’ Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s working and ceremonial offices are also located in the Statehouse. Not to be overlooked, the extraordinary State Library can be found on the third floor.

A BRIEF HISTORY

The land the Capitol stands on was originally donated by a founding member of the Free State Party, Mayor of Topeka, and railroad man - Cyrus Holliday. Construction on the Capitol began with the east wing in 1866. After 37 years, the Statehouse was completed.

Fun Fact: In 1869, while construction was in full progress, government offices were moved to the new Capitol building from the Old Constitution Hall - which can still be viewed at 427-429 Kansas Avenue.

Kansas architect John G. Haskell designed the Capitol in a classic-inspired architecture style. Other important elements included ensuring the building was fire resistant, using natural lighting, ventilation and air circulation.

The Capitol measures 399 feet north and south and 386 feet east and west. It stands 306 feet from the ground to the top of Ad Astra 's bow, which is roughly 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. While there is no ordinance for it, the Capitol is the tallest building in Topeka.

TOURING THE CAPITOL

Guided history tours are once again available at the Statehouse. From January 10 through May 2022, tours are at 9, 10, and 11 am, 1, 2, and 3 pm -Monday through Friday. On Saturday, tours are offered at 10 and 11 am., 1 and 3 pm. There are no Dome Tours at this time.

If the times above don’t work with your schedule, or you prefer to tour on your own, self-guided tours are also allowed. You can pick up an information brochure at the Visitors Center desk.

During the Legislative season (January to May), some rooms may be in use during your visit.

At the time of this blog, masks are recommended in the Capitol.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON EACH FLOOR OF THE CAPITOL

Visitor center level.

Once you arrive at the Capitol, you’ll need to stop briefly at the security entrance. From there you can either stop at the Visitor Center welcome desk, or you can continue on into the Capitol. On this level, you’ll find galleries with museum-quality exhibits telling the story of the Statehouse. Artifacts from when it was built, photography from the construction period, and pieces of the Capitol dome from when it was renovated in the early 2000s. Remember when you’re done with the tour to stop at the Capitol gift shop by the exit.

Selfie Opportunity: There’s a giant Kansas county map etched into the floor, you can’t miss it. Many, including myself, have taken a photo of themselves (usually their feet) in their home county. Not from Kansas? Randomly pick one - or choose Shawnee Co because this is the county you’re in while at the Capitol.

There are two sets of stairs that lead to the first floor, as well as two elevators.

FIRST FLOOR

The first floor is where it’s most evident that the Capitol wings were built separately. There’s a notable difference in the look and styles. A fun piece of Capitol history is the cage elevator. Installed in 1923, visitors can take the elevator from the first to fifth floors. Today it is still hand-operated by a Capitol staff member. From 1976 legislation, it was passed that due to the elevator's historic significance it will be maintained in operating condition.

The eight rotunda murals, cover moments in Kansas history, were painted by Topeka illustrator, artist, and muralist, David H. Overmyer.

Stand directly in the middle of the compass on the floor and look directly up. Above you is the 256 glass-paneled inner dome of the Capitol.

SECOND FLOOR

The Capitol’s most famous, or infamous, the feature is on this floor - John Steuart Curry’s larger-than-life mural Tragic Prelude . Depicting a craze-eyed, abolitionist John Brown with his arms stretched wide carrying a bible in one hand and a rifle in the other. Curry’s other mural Kansas Pastoral , which has also been viewed as scandalous - one reason being the wife’s skirt is too short, is in the opposite wing.

Other features on the second floor are the four limestone statues of notable Kansans by Hays artist Peter Felton. The Kansans here are President Dwight Eisenhower, publisher William Allen White, aviator Amelia Earhart, and former Governor and U.S. Senator Arthur Capper. Surrounding the statues are murals by Lumen Martin Winter highlighting Kansas history.

Did you know? Silverdale limestone from southeastern Kansas was used to create the four statues. Felton believed Silverdale was the finest limestone in Kansas.

Flags in the center of the rotunda represent nations or states that have claimed all or portions of Kansas: the United Kingdom, the French Monarchy, the French Republic, Mexico, Spain, Texas, United States, and Kansas

CEREMONIAL OFFICES

Across from Tragic Prelude is the Governor's Ceremonial office. Here is where many proclamation signings happen, bills, and official events. The walnut ceremonial desk was made by students at the School for the Deaf in Olathe in the 1930s. Items on display are chosen by the sitting governor.

Also on this floor is the Secretary of State's Ceremonial Office. Favorite features include the fireplace and the original washbasin that was installed in 1896.

THIRD FLOOR

SENATE CHAMBER

The stunning Senate chamber is located in the east wing - the oldest part of the Capitol. Architectural and decor elements include several types of marble, the original native Kansas cherry wood desks, and colossal hand-cast columns with ornate circular grills that once allowed for air circulation. Looking above, the plaster ceiling conveys an Egyptian-inspired design.

REPRESENTATIVE HALL

Across the rotunda, Representative Hall sits in the west wing. Not to be outdone by the Senate Chambers, the house features marble, 22-karat gold leaf, and pink columns made of a faux marble process using plaster. The only faux marble found in the Capitol.

Running the upper border of the walls are ten names of Kansas men who were considered prominent statesmen in Kansas’ history. Notable names are first Kansas State Governor Charles Robinson, first Governor of the Kansas Territory Andrew Reeder, and Free Stater James Lane - whose history in Kansas is complicated at best.

During the recent renovation, the fresco ceiling murals were uncovered. The murals, painted in 1882 by E. S. Miragoli and Company of St. Louis, represent justice, history, law, and liberty. The murals have been fully restored.

STATE LIBRARY OF KANSAS

Note: The library is not typically accessible on the weekends. To see the library and its glass floor visit during the week.

The two-story library is located in the north wing. Built to include the first electric lighting in the Capitol. To allow for better lighting in the library the floors on the second level were made of glass. Which is still there today. You notice details like brass sunflowers, stenciling, and brass railings.

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION MURAL

One of the newest additions to the Capitol is the large Brown vs. Board of Education mural by Kansas City artist Michael Young. Created a mural in 2018, the mural depicts the legacy of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court desegregation case. The mural is located outside the old state supreme court where earlier civil rights cases were fought.

OLD SUPREME COURT

If these hallowed walls could talk. The old Kansas Supreme Court chamber has witnessed numerous significant cases. Along with those related to Brown vs. Board of Education, another historic case from 1925 ruled the outlawing of the Ku Klux Klan. Making Kansas the first state in the United States to disallow the hate group. The chamber in the Capitol was used until 1978, then the Supreme Court moved across 10th street to the then-new Kansas Judicial Center.

FOURTH FLOOR

Galleries for both the Senate Chamber and House of Representatives are located on the fourth floor.

FIFTH FLOOR & DOME

When the dome tours are running, they begin on the fifth floor. Since at this time they are not, your best view of the dome is here. You’ll notice the four murals painted at the base of the dome by Abner Crossman. What you won’t see is the original dome mural painted by Fedeli. It depicted a Greek design with 16 maidens with garlands of flowers. The mural was heavily criticized and thought to look like “nude telephone girls.”

In 1902, Crossman was commissioned to paint new murals. They represent Religion, Knowledge and Temperance, Peace, and Power. His firm also designed the semi-relief statues and state seals located below the paintings.

TAKE A WALK AROUND CAPITOL SQUARE

The Capitol grounds are not to be missed. With statues of two Presidents - Dwight Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln. A small version replica of the Statue of Liberty. There are three memorials - the Pioneer Woman Memorial, Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial, and the Kansas Veterans Memorial.

As you walk along the sidewalks you’ll notice markers embedded in the path, this is the Kansas Walk of Honor. Established by Governor Brownback in 2011, the walk honors Kansans who have contributed to Kansas at a state and national levels - such as Bob Dole (the first honoree) and Charles Curtis, the first person of color and Native American to be Vice President of the United States.

WHAT'S ON TOP OF THE KANSAS CAPITOL?

Some might say it’s more of who is on top of the Capitol, than what. It’s Ad Astra. A Kansa warrior.

From before its completion in 1903, it was heavily debated what would go atop of the Capitol. The original thought was a bronze sculpture of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. But the idea of honoring a pagan goddess was frowned upon. For decades it was put aside until the 1980s. In 1988, a competition was held and artists submitted their concepts for the statue. Richard Bergens won the commission with his Kansa warrior.

After 14 years the statue was finally cast in June 2002. Ad Astra stands 22 feet and 2 inches tall and weighs just over 4,400 pounds. The statue was perched on top of the Capitol on October 10, 2002.

Fun Fact: Ad Astra is quite sturdy and designed to sway no more than one inch in an 80 m.p.h. Wind. - Kansas Historical Society

Ad Astra is named after Kansas state motto, Ad Astra per Aspera. Latin for “to the stars through difficulty.” The statue also honor’s our state’s Native American heritage. Kansas’ name comes from the Kanza tribe, People of the South wind. At its dedication in November 2002, members from all four American Indian tribes including the Kaw or (Kansa) Nation participated in the ceremony by praying and singing blessings for the statue.

Why is the statue a different color? Ad Astra is silicon bronze, the coloring matches the color of the Capitol of when it was first placed. The Capitol dome is copper, which tarnishes over time from a copper-brown to a green patina. When the Capitol was renovated in the 2000s, after Ad Astra was added, the copper on the dome was replaced. Over time the new copper will tarnish and change colors back to green.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where is the kansas capitol.

Located in Topeka, the Capital city of Kansas, which is in Shawnee County. The Capitol is placed between Jackson and Harrison, and 10th Street and 8th Ave.. The visitors center's entrance is on 8th Avenue - the north side.

If you’re driving along I-70, the Capitol is located a short five-minute drive off of the exit ramp for 10th Street.

WHERE TO PARK WHEN VISITING THE CAPITOL?

There is free underground parking off of 8th Avenue, entrance is located between Harrison and Van Buren, open 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm. Saturday. There is also metered parking surrounding Capitol Square, and nearby off-street parking available on 8th Avenue.

DOES IT COST TO TOUR THE CAPITOL?

No, both self-guided and guided tours are free.

ARE PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO ALLOWED IN THE CAPITOL?

Yes, you can take both photography and video inside the Capitol. It’s good to keep in mind this is a very active building during the week while the Legislature is in session. Hundreds of people work in the Capitol. There are many lobbying events happening throughout the week. If you’d prefer more quiet and fewer people experience, Saturdays may be better.

WHO MANAGES THE CAPITOL?

The Capitol Visitor Center, store, exhibits, galleries, and tours are managed by the Kansas Historical Society .

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Tour the Capitol Dome

Of the 50 states, Kansas is the only one with a capitol dome where visitors can climb all the way to the top and go outside, 10 feet or so beneath the bronze statue of a Kansa warrior that tops the 304 feet tall dome. Oh, and that 304 feet places it 16 feet taller than the United States Capitol dome.

It’s 296 steps all the way up, though this is broken into parts where you can turn around if it’s becoming a bit too much. For the first few stops, you’re headed along stairs hugging the wall. The last 100 or so steps take you up into the middle of the dome, up into the small cupola, and then out onto a circular walkway.

And yes, it’s a bit nerve wracking if you’re scared of heights (as I am!) as you head away from the wall and into the middle, but I made it through, so I’m sure you can.

Tip – If you go in fall, the changing colors of the trees will make the panoramic view even more stunning.

A Kansas State Historical Society volunteer will take you up and give you some information. You start out on the fifth floor and get info about the restored frescoes (one of the state’s first “selfies” can be found in them!). Then you head up to above the interior dome and get a view of the steps up into the unfinished part of the dome.

The dome itself was a part of a nearly $325 million revamp of the statehouse completed in 2014.

Cost: Free!

When: Tours are run by the Kansas State Historical Society Monday through Friday: 9:15, 10:15, 11:15 a.m., 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15 p.m. If it’s too hot, they’ll cancel the tours as the dome itself isn’t air conditioned. Not sure if it’s cancelled if/when it’s too cold…

Where:  300 SW 10th St, Topeka, KS 66612. Visitor’s entrance is on the ground level, North Wing, on 8th Avenue. Parking information here .

More info: Kansas State Historical Society , 785-296-3966

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Kansas State Capitol Dome

The Kansas State Capitol building, located in Topeka, Kansas, is an elegant statehouse combining Renaissance and Classical revival elements. Begun in 1866, it grew over the course of four decades. Its final achievement is a grand domed roof, constructed of hollow clay tiles set into an iron truss and brace system, which was then covered with sheet copper. The dome was completed in 1903.

After a century of exposure, the roof was showing visible tears and joint failure. A repair campaign had been carried out in 2000, which included intentionally treating the copper with patina chemicals to achieve a consistent verdigris color. However, the treatment appeared to be failing after less than 7 years. These conditions prompted concerns about the longevity of the roofing material, as well as curatorial concerns about the appearance of the dome.

We were contracted in 2007 to assess the current condition of the copper sheet roof and estimate its anticipated life-span. We also examined the methods used in the 2000 refinishing. Most of the original construction was found to be sound, but some improper detailing had led to recurring failures. Exposure-related damage was noted, including metal that had been work-hardened and torn by wind, and battered by hail. We confirmed the new patina was failing but did not feel comfortable recommending an appropriate alternate chemical treatment within the limits of current technology. We evaluated the copper thickness in-situ with an ultrasonic thickness gauge to direct repairs towards areas of weak, thin metal. Additional samples were sent to a testing lab to examine the nature of the cracks and tears observed. Recommendations were generated for minimal, targeted repairs to greatly extend the practical life of the roof.

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Heat dome covers Kansas, causing higher-than-normal temperatures

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -The cause of our weather woes this week is a heat dome extending into our region. But what is a heat dome?

“It’s just a colloquial name for what we call a ridge of high pressure ,” said meteorologist Daniel Reese, of the National Weather Service here in Topeka.“And that’s said to cross portions of the United States and you see very hot temperatures underneath it.”

This current heat dome is over the South and Central United States, which isn’t uncommon this time of year.

“This one seems to be slightly stronger than average, but you see temperatures on average, six or seven times a year that reach a hundred here in Topeka,” said Reese. “This will be our first of the year, so on average, we can expect a few more throughout the later portion of the summer.”

That doesn’t mean the dome isn’t dangerous.

“Heat is our leading killer, both in Kansas and across the country in terms of weather-related events that cause fatalities. So it is something that we need to keep in mind and take seriously.”

Camp counselor Mason Lang is one of many Topekans hitting the pool today. He gives us a few rules we can all follow to stay safe this summer.

“We usually just like to follow the protocol: keep them in the shade, make sure they have a lot of water, and make sure they wear sunscreen,” said Lang. “Every thirty minutes or an hour, the pool has a safety break and we bring them out and make sure they’re drinking the necessary amounts of water.”

Sometimes simple pleasures can save your life around this time of year.

“Have a fan just blowing onto you, and just in your bed reading a book or just doing really whatever you want,” said Connor Durst, a young pool-goer. “Watching TV, reading a book, or any type of that fun stuff.”

These extreme temperatures will decrease on Wednesday and Thursday, jump back up on Friday, and decrease again over the weekend. You can find more information on our weather app .

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'King of Staten Island' Pete Davidson is bringing his comedy tour to Topeka in August

Pete Davidson is bringing his standup comedy tour to the capital city.

The "Saturday Night Live" alum, in December canceled a dozen of his shows through early January . He is now announcing new tour dates.

Davidson will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 S.E. 8th Ave.

Davidson is the creator, executive producer, writer and star of Peacock’s critically acclaimed comedy “Bupkis.” He was cast member on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 2014-2022, where his singular "Weekend Update" features and original music videos garnered millions of views, a release said.

When can you purchase a ticket to see Pete Davidson?

Tickets went on sale Friday on Ticketmaster.com and the TPAC box office.

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Davidson shot his first one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central in 2016 and was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 the same year. In 2020, he released the stand-up special “Pete Davidson: Alive From New York,” while co-writing, executive producing and starring in the movie "The King of Staten Island."

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Davidson's additional film work includes “Trainwreck,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Big Time Adolescence,” “Set It Up,” “Meet Cute” and “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” His upcoming projects include “Dumb Money,” “Wizards!” and “I Slept with Joey Ramone.”

Davidson was listed as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.